Getting to Russia requires advance planning, particularly for visas and flights. The situation has changed significantly since 2022.
Visas
All visitors need a valid visa before entering Russia, with limited exceptions. Citizens of around 65 countries can enter visa-free but must register in the RuID app and generate a QR code for the border. Citizens of roughly 60 further countries can apply for an e-visa, which costs $55, takes about four days to process, and allows a stay of up to 30 days. For longer stays or nationalities not covered by the e-visa, you will need to apply through a Russian consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your visa's expiry date.
Check with your nearest Russian embassy or consulate for the most current requirements, as the rules change frequently.
Air
Since 2022, most European and North American airlines no longer fly directly to Russia, and Russian airlines cannot operate into the EU or most Western countries. The main connecting hubs are Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Belgrade (Air Serbia), Dubai and Abu Dhabi (Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai), and Doha (Qatar Airways). Flights from China and several Central Asian countries also serve Moscow and other Russian cities.
Moscow has three major airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO). St. Petersburg's Pulkovo (LED) handles international flights as well.
Rail
International trains connect Russia with China and Mongolia via the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian routes, and with several Central Asian countries. Trains from Helsinki to St. Petersburg ran for years but have been suspended. The train from Beijing to Moscow takes about six days and remains one of the great rail journeys in the world.
Bus
Bus services operate between the Baltic states and St. Petersburg, and between Finland and St. Petersburg. Border crossings involve passport control and can add significant time to the journey.